My Darling Daughter,
Life sometimes can feel like a game of poker. Every day, we contend with situations and circumstances we believe we can control, but in reality, we can’t.
In the game of life – similar to the game of poker – we are dealt a set of cards… how will you respond to the hand you’ve been dealt?
When, by whom and where you are born presents you with an unexpected advantage, limitation or variables with which to face your life ahead.
However, sometimes you may get a good hand and depending on how you call it, you’ll win. Other times, you wouldn’t get a good set of cards but your victory or loss depends on how you play what you’ve been dealt with. You can either focus on the lack of a good hand and fold or take your chance and see what happens bearing in mind that fortune favours the brave.
My dear, the best way to play this game of life is to empower yourself to play the game sensibly and resourcefully, making the very best of everything life deals to you no matter what.
We all face our share of difficult circumstances, many of which are not the results of anything we’ve done and definitely not what we can control. However, one salient truth to always bear in mind is that you have to be bold and fearless; understand the difference between what you can control and what you can’t.
Knowing when to relinquish control is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It is the ability to exist peacefully amidst the chaos of life.
As “The Gambler” a song written by Don Schlitz and made famous by American country music singer Kenny Rogers says in part of the lyric:
Every gambler knows
That the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away
And knowin’ what to keep
‘Cause every hand’s a winner
And every hand’s a loser
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em (when to hold ’em)
Know when to fold ’em (when to fold ’em)
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
My dear, in the game of life, you have to know when to walk away and when to run.
Love you always,
Dad